The Fugro Chair in Geotechnics aims to develop a sustainable research group, to address key questions related to design and performance within the field of offshore geotechnics, reducing risk and enhancing engineering design within the offshore sector.

The agreement, which also provides funding for three PhD scholarships, was signed by UWA Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Robyn Owens and Dr Phil Watson, Director of Fugro Advanced Geomechanics in Perth and Fugro's Global Service Line Manager GeoConsulting.

COFS Director, Winthrop Professor Mark Cassidy, said the partnership between Fugro and the centre would help ensure research was targeted to solving real world problems.

Dr Watson said the creation of the Fugro Chair in Geotechnics was fully aligned with Fugro's strategic objective to further expand its global consultancy business.

"This initiative combines the best consultants and researchers with the high quality earth data acquired by Fugro's geotechnical and survey experts," he said.

The PhD scholarships aim to facilitate the growth of high quality graduates in offshore geotechnics and engineering, with selected students offered the opportunity to work with Fugro.

The investment is part of The University of Western Australia's New Century Campaign, an ambitious campaign to raise $400 million to support the University's investment in research and education, driving innovation and solutions for the challenges that face our world.